The family of a Good Samaritan who was killed after coming to the aid of another man on a motorway have describe him as "generous and selfless".

Spencer Bell, 71, from Bushey, Hertfordshire, had stopped to assist a man who had fallen from the Bucknalls bridge over the M1 near junction 5 at about 10.45am yesterday when he was struck by a vehicle.

Hertfordshire Police confirmed the man who fell from the bridge was Alan Trethewey, 67, from Watford.

Both men died at the scene.

In a statement issued today, Mr Bell's family said: "Spencer was the most loving, funny and generous person.

"Everyone who knew him loved his quick wit and kindness. We cannot imagine life without him, he always had a smile on his face and loved life.

"Knowing he died in such a selfless way is no comfort. But we would not have expected anything else of him.

"He loved and was loved dearly, by his wife Wendy, his three children, sons in laws, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren."

Police said a number of people had stopped to help Mr Trethewey following the fall.

Officers are appealing for anybody who saw what happened to contact Hertfordshire Police on 101.